Isaac Beckett
(1652 or 1653-1688), EngraverArtist associated with 184 portraits
The first major English mezzotint engraver, apprenticed to a calico printer in London. He was introduced to the newly invented technique of mezzotinting by John Lloyd, a printseller. Beckett engraved numerous mezzotint portraits, principally after the designs of Sir Peter Lely, Godfrey Kneller, Wissing and Riley. He also engraved religious, mythological and landscape scenes after Heemskerck and other masters. Among his greatest mezzotint portraits are Sir Godfrey Kneller, King Charles II and James, Duke of York. Apart from his earliest work, Beckett published and sold his prints himself. He took on engraver John Smith as an assistant.
Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland
by Isaac Beckett, published by John Smith, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
mezzotint, circa 1681-1688
NPG D20042
Louis Duras, 2nd Earl of Feversham
by Isaac Beckett, published by John Smith, after John Riley
mezzotint, 1681-1688
NPG D20151
by Isaac Beckett, after Anne Killigrew
mezzotint, circa 1683-1688
NPG D19754
by Isaac Beckett, published by John Smith, after Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt
mezzotint, 1685-1688 (1685)
NPG D19603
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